Several people that have been reading Discussing Dissociation have made posts and comments about how enormously painful and difficult it is to lose a therapist. There are several different ways to “lose a therapist” but for the purposes of this particular blog entry, I’d like to focus on situations where there was sudden loss. In my years of experience, I have seen a variety of circumstances that have led to … [Read more...]
Encouragement on a Difficult Day
Hello, hello.... How are you? Are you struggling today? I've been thinking about you, and have some kind thoughts to pass your way. To those of you who have been having a very difficult day today – I am sorry that you are hurting so much. I can hear the wrestling with some difficult emotions, and painful options, and the pulls toward self-harm. Please know that you can fight … [Read more...]
Depression and Dissociative Identity Disorder, part 1
So you're depressed, and you're DID. That feels like a double whammy already, so what do you do now? Depression and DID go hand in hand for many trauma survivors. They are not the same diagnosis, but can be closely knitted together. When you are DID, you might have some parts that are depressed, while simultaneously having other parts that are not depressed. Dissociative walls and amnesiac barriers can … [Read more...]
Negative Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survey
April is Child Abuse Prevention month. Education is one of the biggest factors in the prevention of child abuse. Those of you that have been sexually abused or physically abused know the effects of that abuse all too well. Child abuse can affect the entire life of the survivor, and the seriousness of its effects cannot be ignored. If you are a trauma survivor, you can help to inform others about the … [Read more...]
Difficult Holiday Times
For many dissociative trauma survivors, various holidays and times of year are more difficult than other days. Some survivors may know they typically have a difficult time at the change of seasons, or when Easter-time comes, for example, but they may not have the memories or internal information to understand why they consistently have a difficult time at that time of year. Are you struggling more now … [Read more...]